Slow start for Jeremy Mincey gains speed

Mincey recharges his batteries during the Jaguars' off-week.

The Jaguars' Jeremy Mincey (center) celebrates with teammates Paul Posluszny (left) and Rashean Mathis after tackling Arian Foster during the second quarter of the Jaguars' game against the Texans Sept. 16.

Defensive end Jeremy Mincey is still playing with his trademark relentless passion.

As Jaguars defensive line coach Joe Cullen said, “Mince is a guy with a hard-charging motor who scratches and fights and claws every play. That’s got him to where he is.

“Let’s face it. He was cut a couple of times. He’s earned everything he’s had in his life. That’s why I really love Mince. He’s going to be the piston that drives the engine here in this [defensive line] room.’’

In the first five games before the bye, Mincey couldn’t get the engine going.

He has yet to get a sack and the team only has three. The inability to sack the quarterback has been one of the reasons why the Jaguars are off to a 1-4 start.

If they are to climb out of this hole, they have to begin getting to the quarterback and that starts with getting to Carson Palmer when they go to Oakland Sunday. It’s up to Mincey to jump-start the pass rush.

His slow start has been puzzling for a player who had eight sacks last year along with 45 quarterback pressures and four forced fumbles. That led to his being in demand as a free agent.

The Chicago Bears courted him until the Jaguars stepped up at the last minute with a four-year, $20-million deal, including $9 million guaranteed, to keep him.

Mincey had high expectations and he’s frustrated by his slow start, but he feels he recharged his batteries during the bye week and is ready to regain his old form.

“Now is the time to bring it all together and start getting some sacks,” he said. “I’m definitely disappointed in myself and I know I can do better and I will do better.’’

He added, “A lot of guys look up to me and I have to definitely set standards for myself so I can lead by example. I’m not the yada, yada guy. But I do work and I do lead by example.’’

There are several reasons for Mincey’s slow start, including the Jaguars being shorthanded at defensive end at the start of the year. He had to play most of the snaps instead of being rotated.

He lined up on all 59 snaps in the opener against Minnesota and 78 of 83 in the second game against Houston. He worked 73 of 78 against Indianapolis, 61 of 62 against the Bengals and 64 of 75 against Chicago.

Now that Austen Lane is back and George Selvie appears ready to return, they may be able to rest him at times keep him fresh late.

“Coach Mike Mularkey said, “Our defense has been on the field a lot these first five games. He goes so hard on those snaps, it’s hard on him. That’s a demanding position. If we can keep guys fresh, it will help.’’

Mincey also appeared to try to do too much and got caught out of position.

“He recognizes it; he’s aware of it,” Mularkey said. “There’s some other times he probably would have had [the quarterback] if he would have stayed where he was supposed to be and stayed in his lanes. We had quarterbacks escape and that was [on] him.’’

“I probably weaseled my way out of three or four sacks I could have had if I had been more disciplined,” Mincey said. “That’s something I’ve got to work on. I’ll get it fixed. I’m the type of guy who won’t let a problem linger. I’m not here to make any excuses.’’

Cullen noted the Mincey has a history of playing better in the second half of the season and didn’t get his first sack last year until the fifth game. He then wound up getting 2.5 sacks in each game against the Colts.

Mincey said he doesn’t feel any pressure after getting a big contract.

“I can deal with the pressure and I know how to respond under the pressure,’’ he said.

Cullen said another problem is that the Jaguars are having problems stopping the run (they rank 30th) so they don’t get teams into long yardage situations.

“Let’s get them in 14 or 15 third and longs rather than three or four. If you make someone one dimensional that can’t run the football, you’re going to have a chance to win every week.’’ Cullen said.

And, he added, “It starts with me. I’m accountable. Me and them. All of us must improve for this team to win.’’

One thing Mincey has going for him is his history of never giving up. Drafted in the sixth round out of Florida in 2006, he was cut by the Patriots, signed by San Francisco to its practice squad and then signed by the Jaguars. He played in only three games in 2008 because of a wrist injury and missed the 2009 season after being cut. His career was hanging in the balance, but he came back.

“This is my job,” he said. “It pays the bills for my family. I’ve got to be 100 percent dedicated and put my heart and soul into it. You’ve got to work hard emotionally to repair yourself mentally so you can think like a winner.

“I always think positively. I might get knocked down, but I’m not going to stay down. I’m going to keep the truck rolling. I’ve got a lot of good years left in me. I have the ability to be a great player in this league. I haven’t arrived yet,’’ he said.

Mincey is still the Man to me, but am getting tired of the talk. Just want to see the walk. I for one would not give 2cents for what the national media says about any team much less my own. Not expecting much Sunday, we don't usually play well out west. Hope though we are surprised.-------Go Jaguars !!!!!!